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[Splenic abscess secondary to massive bee bite in immunocompetent host. A case report]

Juan José Olivares-Becerra1, Francisco Cuan-Orozco, Joel Michel-Dueñas

  • 1Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|December 13, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case report details the first known instance of a spleen abscess developing after a massive bee sting. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for this rare condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Toxicology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Spleen abscesses are infrequent but serious infections, often linked to immune suppression or endocarditis.
  • Gram-positive aerobes are common culprits, presenting with non-specific symptoms.
  • Imaging techniques like CT scans and ultrasounds are vital for diagnosis and guiding drainage procedures.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old male developed a spleen abscess eight days after sustaining 116 bee stings and experiencing anaphylactic shock.
  • Clinical presentation included persistent left upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, peritonitis signs, and leukocytosis.
  • CT scan revealed a splenic lesion consistent with an abscess, alongside pleural effusion.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent drainage and splenectomy due to localized peritonitis and a significant pus collection.
  • Culture of the abscess secretion identified Enterococcus faecium as the causative agent.
  • Extensive workup, including blood cultures and serological tests, ruled out other common causes and infections.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a novel association between massive bee stings and the subsequent development of a spleen abscess.
  • It underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in spleen abscess presentations.
  • This report is the first to document a spleen abscess following a massive bee bite, expanding the known spectrum of this rare condition.

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